XLR vs. RCA Experiment

[Early B.]

Today I decided to try the RCA inputs on my Marsh amp. It sounded totally different compared to the XLRs. With the RCAs, there was more bass, but less detail and it was kinda boring, so I quickly popped the XLRs back on. I use RCA-to-XLR adapters on my interconnects. My preamp does not have XLRs.

If you have an amp with XLR and RCA connectors, try using the amp with both connectors, even if your preamp doesn't have XLR capability. The Marsh is supposedly "true balanced," so YMMV. Nevertheless, you may be surprised at the results.

[dkg999]

EarlyB - I had read this about the Marsh amps when I was researching the one I bought from you! I am ordering a set of Signal Cable IC's that are RCA to XLR. Now help me out on this one, do I need the female or male XLR termination to plug into the Marsh amp?

[Early B.]

EarlyB - I had read this about the Marsh amps when I was researching the one I bought from you! I am ordering a set of Signal Cable IC's that are RCA to XLR. Now help me out on this one, do I need the female or male XLR termination to plug into the Marsh amp?

Yes, you need a male XLR to plug into the Marsh amp.

[F1nut]

I take it they were the same cables, so I don't follow why they would sound different as you're not really running balanced if you're using the adpater.

[Early B.]

I take it they were the same cables, so I don't follow why they would sound different as you're not really running balanced if you're using the adpater.


Yeah, they were the same cables. There was a big sonic difference. My friend and I both heard this difference. I dunno, but FWIW, it is my understanding that on the Marsh, the XLR runs through a different circuit than the RCA. I got the idea from a former Marsh owner. A professional reviewer also suggest using the XLRs on this amp.

[engtaz]

Thanks for the info

[I-SIG]

My big Parasound has XLR's. I think with bi-ampin gI should have the same connection on each and and the 1000 doesn't have balanced inputs.

Wes